Former Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor Kingsley Moghalu has described Abia State Governor Alex Otti's performance in office as "most impressive." In a post on social media platform X on Friday, Moghalu shared his observations after visiting Otti at Isiala Ngwa South in Abia State on Thursday.
"His performance in governance has been most impressive," Moghalu stated. He added that Otti "is a demonstration of the truism that seems to have escaped most Nigerian leaders and politicians – that competent governance that concretely improves citizens’ lives is the best politics."
Moghalu noted that their discussions centered on the administration's progress and challenges in Abia, particularly efforts to secure fundamental enablers for industrialization and inclusive economic growth, with competent governance as a foundation.
According to Moghalu, the First Lady of Abia State, Chidinma Otti, hosted them for dinner. "I wish Alex continued success," said Moghalu, who referred to the governor as "my friend and brother."
Otti's Achievements in Abia
Governor Alex Otti, 61, was elected in 2023 under the Labour Party platform and is seeking reelection for a second term in 2027. His administration has earned praise for transforming Aba, Abia's commercial hub, previously considered one of Nigeria's dirtiest cities. The rapid construction of roads and other infrastructure has endeared him to many across party lines.
The government has significantly improved the ease of doing business in Abia. For instance, processing Certificates of Occupancy (CofO) now takes about a month. In 2024, the administration issued 1,037 CofOs to property owners, the highest in 13 years since January 2012.
"Abia delivers CofO in 30 days. It’s a policy!" said Chaka Chukwumerije, Commissioner for Land and Housing in Abia. He highlighted enhanced transparency, accountability, and focus on service delivery. "Your transaction is monitored from the time it comes in until it goes out. There is greater confidence in the system. If people know that they can get their CofO seamlessly without going through any middleman, it encourages them to apply."
Chukwumerije explained that the governance system is automated. "The governor signs CofO within 24 hours of being sent to him. The governor’s signing process is automated – we upload it, he signs through his electronic signature, and it gets back to us. We have a one-stop customer service, so when you come to the Ministry of Land to process your CofO, you don’t have to travel to the bank anymore; the bank is there, the tax office is there, the surveyor’s office is there, you can finish all your transactions in one day."
Widespread Praise for Otti
Beyond Moghalu, other respected Nigerians have commended Otti's leadership. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, said in October last year: "I have been coming here since the inauguration of civilian government in 1999, and I can say without any fear of contradiction that I have seen signs of governance which were not there before."
Chidi Odinkalu, a human rights lawyer, recently remarked: "The smile has returned to the faces of the people, and hope appears willing to return from exile."
